Antonio Gates, with an assist from Eric Weddle, was better than Jason Witten. And Danny Woodhead, fast becoming a Chargers star, skewered the Dallas defense.

Several other Chargers made big plays in San Diego's 30-21 victory Sunday. But the quartet of Rivers-Gates-Weddle-Woodhead led the way.

Mismatches -- Rivers (35 of 42, 401 yards, 3 TDs) was in control of himself and the offense for all four quarters. He found the one-on-one matchups, and that often involved Gates and Woodhead. Twice, Rivers hit Woodhead for TDs when the Cowboys put linebacker Bruce Carter on him after Gates either motioned to alter that part of the defense or drew double coverage. Gates, meantime, caught all 10 targets for 136 yards. His 56-yard TD, on a perfect over-the-shoulder, fourth-quarter pass from Rivers, beat linebacker Sean Lee in solo coverage and made it a two-score game. All things considered, Gates has had a terrific first quarter to the season.

Weddle delivers -- Romo usually can count on Witten to move the chains on third down. With No. 2 receiver Miles Austin out, the Cowboys needed Witten to pick up some slack. But Weddle blanketed him on several key plays. Twice, the safety broke up a third-down pass for Witten.

Allen growing up -- Keenan Allen, at 21 the youngest Chargers player, beat one-on-one coverage several times. Three of those grabs came against Morris Claiborne, a first-round pick in 2012. The Cal man used his four-inch advantage to defeat LSU alum Claiborne.

Coaching victory: Credit the Chargers offensive braintrust, which includes Rivers and Nick Hardwick, for designing an offense that was diverse and balanced despite the absence of three regular linemen. As for Cowboys coach Jason Garrett, he made a curious gamble in the second quarter, ordering a 56-yard field goal. When Dan Bailey missed left, the Chargers took over at their 46. Rivers drove them to a Nick Novak field goal that broke a 7-7 tie.

Freeney injury: Dwight Freeney didn't return after injuring a quad in the second quarter. Larry English replaced him.

Going to Oakland: The Week Five game will take the Chargers to Oakland for their AFC West opener. The Chargers beat Oakland twice last year.